The Bar Reciprocity Cost Calculator is a practical, attorney-focused tool that helps you quickly understand the real costs of expanding your license into new states. Instead of digging through dozens of bar admission pages and fee schedules, you can use this calculator to estimate what you will pay to waive in, transfer a UBE score, or pursue admission on motion across different jurisdictions.
Whether you are planning a permanent relocation, exploring multi-state practice, or simply want to keep your options open, this calculator gives you an immediate, data-driven snapshot of the financial side of bar reciprocity so you can plan your next move strategically.
Use the Bar Reciprocity Cost Calculator to:
Compare bar reciprocity–related costs across multiple states in minutes
Estimate application, admission on motion, UBE transfer, and related fees
Identify more affordable jurisdictions for expanding your practice
Budget for reciprocal admissions as part of a broader relocation or career plan
Combine cost insights with BCG’s bar reciprocity guides to choose the right markets
Attorneys often underestimate how much time and money is involved in gaining admission to a new jurisdiction. This tool is designed to simplify that process. By putting clear cost estimates in one place, the Bar Reciprocity Cost Calculator helps you make smarter, more informed decisions about where—and how—to grow your legal career.
Important Note: This calculator provides estimates based on current market data and typical
scenarios. Always verify specific requirements with the target jurisdiction's bar authority before making final
decisions.
Input Your Information
5 years
Click the button above to see your personalized analysis
Your Personalized Analysis
Analysis Results: Massachusetts
Cost Breakdown
Direct Costs:
$1,900
Opportunity Cost:
$10,000
Total Investment:
$11,900
Financial Benefits
Annual Salary Increase:
$27,000
Additional Opportunities:
$7,500
Total Annual Benefit:
$34,500
🎯 Strategic Recommendation
Recommended Pathway: Motion Admission
Requirements: 5/7 years + UBE 270+
Processing Time: 8 months
Break-Even Period: 5 months
5-Year ROI: $160,600 (1349.6%)
✅ Recommendation: This expansion appears financially beneficial based on your profile.
ROI Timeline Visualization
ROI Progress (higher is better)
Sample Analysis: New York Bar Reciprocity
Example calculation for an attorney with 5 years experience, $150,000 current salary, practicing corporate
law
Cost Breakdown
Cost Component
Amount
Notes
Application Fee
$750
NY State Bar application
MPRE Fee
$300
If not previously taken
Character & Fitness
$60
Background investigation
Registration Fee
$375
Biennial registration
Opportunity Cost
$20,000
100 hours at $200/hour
Miscellaneous
$500
Documents, travel, etc.
Total Investment
$21,985
Complete cost
Revenue Impact Analysis
New York Market Benefits
Market Size: 175,000+ attorneys (largest in nation)
Highly Recommended: New York reciprocity offers exceptional ROI for corporate attorneys. The
large market size, premium compensation, and relatively low entry cost make this an excellent strategic move.
Best Pathway: Admission on Motion (5 years experience required)
